Jithin M.S. scores in stoppage time as NorthEast United beat Mohun Bagan 1-0 in Guwahati

Jithin M.S. struck in the second minute of added time (90+2’) to give NorthEast United FC a 1-0 win over Mohun Bagan Super Giant in Guwahati on October 12, 2026, in the Highlanders' opening Indian Super League 2026-27 home match. The late goal secured all three points for NorthEast United in a closely contested game.

Both teams began the match on the front foot and traded early chances; NorthEast fashioned an opening-minute opportunity that Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith dealt with, while Lee Erwin hit the woodwork from a ninth-minute set piece. NorthEast introduced Jithin at the start of the second half for Asheer Akhtar, and Gurmeet Singh produced crucial saves to keep the hosts in the contest as the game remained tight.

Mohun Bagan made an early second-half attacking change, replacing Chhangte with Manvir Singh, and later, in the 59th minute, brought on Liston Colaco and Miguel Figueira for Sahal Samad and Lee Erwin. NorthEast responded with a double substitution, sending on Parthib Gogoi and Nikola for Macarton Nickson and Ethyan Gonzalez as they sought greater attacking threat.

NorthEast built momentum after the changes and threatened through several deliveries into the box; Mehtab Singh intervened to deny Jithin a clear chance in the 71st minute, and Alaeddine Ajaraie had a long-range strike ruled out for offside. Nikola had an effort off target in the 83rd minute as the hosts continued to press for a breakthrough.

Mohun Bagan came close late when substitute Suhail Bhat met a Liston Colaco cross in the 87th minute but saw his effort strike the woodwork. With five minutes of stoppage time signalled, NorthEast mounted a final attack that produced the decisive moment.

Vishal Kaith saved the initial effort in added time, but the rebound off the post fell to Jithin M.S., who reacted quickest to slot home and send the home crowd into celebration. The 90+2’ strike proved decisive as NorthEast United held on for a 1-0 victory.

The win gave NorthEast United FC three points from their opening home match of the ISL 2026-27 season.